Will flushable toilet wipes clog pipes? Non-woven fabrics must degrade in less than 8 weeks to be considered truly environmentally friendly

1. Why can "flushable wipes" still clog pipes

Plastic fiber problem: Most toilet flushable wet wipes contain plastic adhesive fibers (such as polyester and polypropylene), which do not decompose when exposed to water and are easily entangled with debris to form blockages.

Swelling: After absorbing water, the volume of the wipes expands 3-5 times, and they get stuck in the bends of the pipes (such as U-shaped pipes), hindering the flow of water.

False "flushable" logo misleads: manufacturers often mark "flushable", but in fact they only pass basic tests and do not meet the decomposability requirements.

2. The core standard of truly environmentally friendly wipes: decomposition speed <8 weeks

Spunlace non-woven fabric degradation: It must be completely decomposed within 8 weeks (anaerobic/aerobic environment), otherwise it is considered a non-environmentally friendly material.

Test method——

Splash box disintegration test (Slosh Box): simulate the impact of sewer water flow, and it must be decomposed into fragments <5mm within 4 hours.

Anaerobic Biodisintegration: In the sewage treatment plant environment, the degradation rate is >90% within 8 weeks.

Material composition restrictions ——

Plastic fibers are prohibited: pass TAPPI T401 fiber analysis to ensure that no plastic is added.

Plant-based alternatives: corn fiber and wood pulp spunlace fabric can be naturally degraded.

3. Treatment methods after blockage

Stop using pseudo "flushable" wipes: The packaging must have IWSFG blue seal or EDANA FG507 code (real environmentally friendly wipes have a degradation rate of >90% in 8 weeks)

Monthly pipeline maintenance ——

Hot water flushing: once a month, 50℃ hot water for 3 minutes;

Enzyme maintenance: Pour 50g of protease powder every quarter, let it stand overnight and then rinse.

Install interception device ——

Filter: Install a stainless steel filter at the toilet drain;

Grease separator: Install a grease interceptor in the kitchen sink to reduce the adsorption source of wet wipes.

Mild blockage:Try the tape method, enzyme dissolution, and avoid chemical corrosion;

Moderate to severe blockage: Use professional tools or seek help from a technician in time to prevent sewage backflow pollution;